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Can a pet help you live longer?

According to numerous studies dating back
more than a century, interaction with animals has a beneficial
effect on human health. The Centers for Disease Control reports
that pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and
triglyceride levels, as well as alleviating feelings of loneliness
and the depression that can result.

“Our animal companions serve as a
link to Nature and through Nature our spirits are elevated. Yet,
sadly many of us have lost awareness of this relationship – this
connectedness,” says noted pet expert Dr. Diane Pomerance in
her book Finding Peace After the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion,
which is the fifth book in her Animal Companion Series consisting
of books and CDs (Polaire Publications,). “Pets can provide
us with so many gifts. They can increase the longevity and improve
the quality of life physiologically, psychologically, emotionally,
and spiritually.”

Not only does interaction with pets
decrease stress and related cardiovascular illnesses, but caring
for a pet has practical everyday benefits. Having a dog, for
example, increases the likelihood of regular outdoor exercise.
Daily walking is a known benefit for cardiovascular fitness, and
having a dog to walk increases opportunity not only for exercise
but for socialization. Indoor pets also provide substantial
benefits. A study published in the Journal of the American
Geriatrics Society reported that senior citizens who own pets are
less likely to be depressed, are better able to tolerate social
isolation, and are more active than those who do not own pets,
regardless of the kind of pet owned.

Pets, by promoting playfulness, laughter
and affection, have a soothing and therapeutic effect on their
owners. “Their presence and very essence reveal the life
force, creative force, the energy and vitality that exist in all of
us,” writes Dr. Pomerance. “Even if we don’t find
inspiring relationships among other people, we find real love,
affection, friendship, companionship, camaraderie, and loyalty
through the animal companions we adopt.”

While baby boomers can improve their own
health prospects by adopting a pet, older Americans can also tap
into their wisdom and maturity by adopting older pets. “Older
animals—far too often discarded or disposed of simply because
of their age—offer priceless gifts and lessons to those who
adopt them,” says Dr. Pomerance. “Their gratitude for
living in a home where they are loved, valued, appreciated and
respected is limitless.” Many shelters will discount or waive
fees for those adopting older animals, with the added advantage of
gaining a pet that is likely to be calmer, already housebroken, and
beyond the teething and hyperactive stage.